Ministers
John B. McCall
Elsa A. Peters
Nancy A. Foran

Related Links

United Church
of Christ

'God is still speaking!'

Open and Affirming UCC Churches

Maine Conference UCC

The Center for
Progressive Christianity

The City of
South Portland

Town of
Cape Elizabeth

Maine Council
of Churches

50th Aniversary

About: John McCall | Nancy Foran

Here's what I've been thinking:

{August, 2009}

I’m back! I’m rested! I’m looking forward to our new year together! My time away – one month of vacation and three month’s of sabbatical – provided me a wonderful change of pace to savor the things that matter most – God, family, serenity, and gratitude.

I read a lot but not as much as I expected. I prayed a lot, not only at those times I set aside but also as I walked and rested and even as I painted the front of our house. I was chief cook and provisioner remembering that Andrea and Ben were both working full time while most of my days were unstructured.

I began my sabbatical with a five-day workshop in Chicago, intended for long-tenured pastors who will eventually retire from their current parish rather than move to another. While my retirement is several years off, this workshop helped me identify ways you and I can work together to be in the best possible place when the time comes. We have loved each other long and well and we want the best for each other far beyond our “goodbye.” We’ve also lived and grown through times of disagreement and differing priorities. We’ve been touched by many grace moments and can anticipate many more.

I also spent time with my sons Jeremiah in Cincinnati and with Seth in New Hampshire; with my brother Rob in Eastport, and with my long-gone ancestors through uninterrupted hours of genealogy research (my number one hobby).

Then, on June 28th, Andrea, Ben and I flew together to Scotland where we spent five weeks in the lovely village, Bridge of Allan, where Gillian Weighton is minister at the Parish Church. While she and her husband Alistair were here with you, we immersed ourselves in that community. I preached four Sundays and Andrea preached one, to “pay the rent.” We made lots of day trips to Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Argyllshire and many other lovely places. We reached the saturation point on castles and cathedrals. And though Scotland is often cool and rainy we had many more sunny days there than you did here!

Several of you whom I’ve seen since my return have remarked that I look well rested. That’s good. I am. I like the feeling and I know that I have more to offer when I maintain balance.

Finally, I offer my appreciation to my wonderful colleagues on the church staff, each of whom stretched further to cover all the bases well. And to the lay leaders who faithfully conduct the important ministries of our church. To each and all, thank you!

Faithfully, gratefully,

John

Contact John McCall